no new permits for oil and gas drilling, phase out of existing wells, and proper closure of wells no longer in use

FAEW supports Los Angeles City ordinance 187.709 which went into effect on January 18, 2023, and prohibited new oil and gas drilling and required the phase out of existing oil and gas drilling over a 20 year period. This ordinance was challenged by oil drilling interests and overturned in August 2024, saying that only the state had the right to make such laws. However, the new state law AB 3233 that has just been signed now gives local governments the right to take actions against oil operations.

Athens on the Hill in the Harbor Gateway North area was the site of hundreds of oil wells in the 1920’s and still has an active well at 809 W. 126th Street. There are also a number of closed wells nearby and south of El Segundo Blvd. which have impacted health in those neighborhoods from the toxic chemicals that are released into the air and soil.

Garner J1 well being redrilled in 2022, with crude oil storage tank to the right